Hargreaves Could Be Back Earlier

Owen Hargreaves, suffering from a tendonitis problem, could return earlier than after the expected four-week layoff.

The midfielder's United career has been blighted by injuries so far but it seems that the latest injection did the trick, according to Fergie so Hargreaves won't have to miss four weeks.

"It may be a bit less than that,' Sir Alex Ferguson said in an exclusive interview with Manchester United Radio.

"Owen should be back training in about ten days` time, which is good news because he hasn`t had the best of luck. But, having the injection has been successful."

A relief it would be: that means he would only miss three games though two of these are away from home. But with Carrick out for six weeks, every little morsel of good news is welcome.

"It was a bad blow losing Michael Carrick," Fergie added. "I went to shake his hand at the end of the game and he couldn`t lift his arm. I knew he was in pain, so we sent him for an x-ray and it confirmed it was a broken arm.

"It`s a blow especially as his last three performances have been spot on. That was the Michael Carrick of last season. I thought he had a slow start to the campaign, but he was gathering momentum again. He was superb against Chelsea, Birmingham and Roma.

"Fortunately, I`ve still got options," added Sir Alex. "I can bring Ryan Giggs into midfield, or young Anderson, and John O`Shea can also play there. I`m not too bad, but nonetheless it`s a blow.'

But who will tackle there, Sir Alex? Giggs and Anderson won't, God save us from Scholes' tackling and John O'Shea is not a midfielder. He's the best option though...

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!